International
Women in Engineering Day (INWED) was founded by the Women's Engineering Society (WES) in
the United Kingdom. INWED was first celebrated in 2014 with the aim of raising
awareness about the achievements of women in engineering, encouraging more
girls and women to pursue careers in the field, and promoting diversity and
inclusivity in the engineering profession. Since its inception, INWED has
gained global recognition and is now celebrated annually on June 23rd.
Leading
professionals in the engineering and technology fields have shared their
insights in anticipation of INWED. Their comments highlight the significance of
diversity, gender equality, and inclusion, while celebrating the achievements
of women in these industries. These professionals emphasize the need to inspire
and empower future generations, break stereotypes, and create equal
opportunities for all in engineering and STEM.
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Kris Schulze, Director of Product Marketing, Scale Computing
As a woman in technology, being part of this vibrant and rapidly evolving field is both a challenge and a privilege. On International Women in Engineering Day, I reflect on the strides we've made and the road ahead. It’s about breaking barriers and defying stereotypes, proving that innovation knows no gender. The tech industry thrives on diverse perspectives, and women bring unique insights that drive creativity and problem-solving. My own journey has shown me that support, mentorship, and a commitment to fostering inclusivity are crucial. Together, we can create an environment where every woman feels empowered to pursue her passion and contribute to groundbreaking advancements.
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Margaret Hoagland, VP, Global Sales & Marketing, SIOS Technology
On this International Women in Engineering Day, remember to be courageous enough to take your time. Trust in yourself and your audience. When you have something to say, know that it is worth the wait. I've witnessed countless brilliant women diminish their impact by feeling rushed and speaking too quickly. So, pause. Reflect on your next words. Stand firm. Make them wait. Speak slower, move with purpose. Your voice matters, especially in STEM.
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Chen Webber-Kentor, Group Product Manager, Zerto
Now in its 11th year, International Women in Engineering Day
serves as a reminder of the hard work and contributions that women engineers
make every day but also to call attention to the gender gap in the engineering
industry. Globally, women hold less than
30% of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) jobs, but in my
role as group product manager at Zerto, I have the pleasure of working with a
diverse and talented team of engineers. As we celebrate International Women in
Engineering Day, I reaffirm my belief that gender parity in STEM provides
diverse perspectives and unique problem-solving approaches that lead to more
innovative and balanced solutions.
My passion for engineering lies in its challenging nature and the
creative possibilities it offers, and I actively encourage more girls and women
to pursue this exciting field. Achieving gender equality in STEM requires a
proactive approach: setting clear objectives, crafting opportunities, and
imparting the significance of diversity and inclusion to all employees.
Additionally, fostering an inclusive culture, where women have equal
opportunities for career advancement, is key for an organization’s success.
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Vinčić Jasmina, Lead Support Engineer, HYCU
While International Women in Engineering Day is a day to shine the spotlight on the contributions of all the women in engineering who are helping to drive innovation and inspire future female leaders, it's also a reminder that this is not just a once a day in a year celebration. With the continued need for innovation across all of IT, especially in light of the rise of ransomware, cybersecurity threats, and ability to protect and recover data regardless of location, today is a day to recognize many of the pioneers across the industry who are instrumental in ensuring that no matter where data resides be it on-premises, multi-cloud, or in the emergence of SaaS applications or platforms, it is secure and recoverable. In addition, today is a day to honor those women who are helping through their talents to make our world a safer place to live and work. That is also why I love what I do with our team at HYCU and am proud to be one of many female leaders at the company.
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Barkha Herman, Developer Advocate, StarTree
Diversity is crucial for driving innovation, not just a buzzword. When women and underrepresented groups get equal opportunities, their unique perspectives propel technology forward, creating more inclusive products. For instance, a woman-led company transformed defense robots into the first autonomous vacuum cleaners for homes. Diversity builds our future across industries and in our daily life. We must continue breaking barriers and stereotypes to inspire future generations of women to pursue engineering and STEM careers.
As a Developer Advocate and a Woman in Engineering, visibility is key. Being seen on conference stages and behind the scenes normalizes women's presence in tech, making it easier for others to follow. It's about showcasing the diverse skills and viewpoints women bring to the table. Our achievements, whether highlighted or behind the scenes, are crucial to industry progress. We need to support and celebrate each other, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.
Creating equal opportunities in engineering and STEM is not just right; it's smart business. Embracing diversity and inclusion taps into the full potential of our talent pool, driving innovation and growth. Let's keep advocating for change, inspiring future generations, and celebrating the contributions of women in engineering today and every day.
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ChanChan Mao, Developer Advocate, Alluxio
To celebrate International Women in Engineering Day is to celebrate ourselves and the growing representation of women as the tech industry evolves. I am always so in awe every time I attend tech events and conferences and I see a woman on stage confidently speaking on her area of expertise.
Growing up as a little girl in the heart of Silicon Valley, it’s easy to be underestimated and overshadowed by the lack of gender diversity. Perhaps the most valuable lesson I’ve learned, as cliche as it sounds, is that we can do it! Our intelligence, our passion, and our innovative minds are beyond gender labels; our opportunities for growth and leadership should also be. We all have incredible potential to achieve outstanding careers in tech, and we are not allowing gender stereotypes to hinder our success.
Happy International Women in Engineering Day to all the women who have overcome gender stereotypes, who have pursued their passion in engineering despite barriers, and who have excelled in their careers. Thank you for being an inspiration to the next generation of young girls breaking into tech and STEM.
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Jasmine Cruz, Director of Product Solutions at Anaqua
International Women in Engineering Day is a vital reminder of the significant strides women are making in engineering (and in STEM more broadly) and an opportunity to celebrate these achievements. For me, it’s about recognizing the relentless pursuit of innovation and the unique perspectives women bring to the industry. This day serves as an inspiration for the next generation of women engineers and a call to action for continued progress toward equal representation. It's a moment to reflect on how far we've come and to join our efforts in breaking down remaining barriers.
To women aspiring to enter the tech field, my advice is to embrace your unique 'tool kit' and forge your own path. Find a company, culture, and leadership team that align with your values and vision. Don’t let imposter syndrome hinder your growth; instead, give yourself grace and acknowledge your strengths. Technology thrives on diverse perspectives, and your contributions are essential to driving innovation forward. Remember, every step you take not only advances your career but also paves the way for future generations of women in engineering.
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Elisa La Roche, Senior Director, Support Engineering, Starburst
This day provides us with a moment to reflect on the progress women have made and the opportunities ahead. It is because of the female innovators before us that we are able to work for companies with diverse workforces that generate more innovative ideas, engage in better collaborative decision-making, and execute with higher quality outcomes as a result of the unique skills and mindsets of each individual.
To women passionate about engineering and technology, be curious, be bold, and believe that your ideas are important to achieving a greater goal. To those pursuing a career in leadership, we have more opportunities than ever to influence the change we want to see. Our commitment to developing young women professionals and early education programs to support them strengthens the field of engineering for generations to come.
By celebrating the achievements of women in engineering, we shine a spotlight on their contributions to the industry, highlighting the difference diversity makes and inspiring all those interested in pursuing a future in engineering.
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Shauna Bowen, Senior Vice President, Click to Delivery, Radial
International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) can serve as an annual opportunity to reflect on the achievements and progress made by women in engineering each year. I believe this day underlines the critical role of diversity and inclusion in fostering environments where women can be their authentic selves – unrestricted by the need to conform, and instead, empowered to excel.
In engineering, where innovation is key to advancement, having a diverse workforce enables us to approach problems from a broader scope of perspectives, leading to technological breakthroughs that extend across all industries.
I hope this INWED can be a time to remember that inclusivity isn’t just a requirement to check off, but a catalyst for the very innovations that push this industry forward. Women in engineering can take pride in their roles and achievements – they’re in this position for a reason and have earned it.
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Saadia Khan, VP of Engineering and DevOps at Hammerspace
I have devoted my career as an engineer to advancing technology and innovation, consistently breaking new ground with my team and defying stereotypes. Throughout my journey, I have achieved notable successes with several patents, contributed to open-source software communities, and engaged in standardization efforts. My commitment to innovation and progress underscores my belief that International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) is not just a celebration but a crucial societal event showcasing women’s invaluable contributions to engineering.
Today, we seize the opportunity to share our unique journeys in a technical industry that has not always been inclusive. By celebrating the remarkable achievements of women in engineering - despite the distinct hurdles many have encountered in building careers and advancing into leadership in the high-tech space - we can ignite the curiosity of the next generation of women to explore the diverse opportunities available in the STEM fields.
INWED is a testament to women's increasing presence and impactful contributions to engineering. It underscores the crucial role that diversity and inclusivity play in fostering innovation and progress, reminding us that a diverse engineering workforce is not just a goal but a necessity for our future.
We will continue to see increased demand for engineers as technology advances, including new technologies like artificial intelligence. Our future will be significantly enriched by the unique perspectives and talents that women bring to engineering-driven fields. Days like INWED remind us how important it is to inspire and encourage more women to pursue STEM and AI careers.
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Annemie Vanoosterhout, Release and Project Manager for Datadobi
As we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day, let's take a moment to honor the remarkable achievements of women engineers around the world. This day is not just about recognition; it's a call to action for gender equality in engineering. It's essential for everyone, regardless of gender, to create inclusive workspaces. Remote work is one way to allow for more flexible hours and benefit women tasked with balancing their family life and their job responsibilities. However, the responsibility to challenge the status quo doesn't solely lie with organizations as women, we must also push beyond perceived limitations.
The key to accomplishing change is collaboration, and it should not be a solitary endeavor. Together, we can make a significant impact and pave the way for future generations of women engineers. Let's celebrate this day by reaffirming our commitment to equality, empowerment, and excellence for all in engineering.
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Luz Geist, Director of Engineering, Cubic Defense
As a female engineer established in my career, I have learned to
embrace the good with the bad life lessons along the way, they made me who I am
today. Fundamentally, to continue growing and learning, it requires challenging
yourself and getting out of your comfort zone not for the certainty of outcome,
but for the certainty that you will come out wiser. The value comes when one
learns to harness those experiences to support other women striving to meet
their ambitions. In today’s fast-paced world it is essential to elevate other
women around us, be a good role model and mentor. I always encourage learning
from someone else’s experiences, ask questions, push boundaries and take
chances. Realize, YOU can inspire change, create a positive, diverse and supportive
work environment.
Women in STEM careers have certainly grown since I became a
systems engineer. However, women are still underrepresented in STEM
occupations. Regardless of how inclusive and supportive a workplace is, the
reality is there will always be more work to be done around fostering
environments that enable women to succeed in STEM careers.
Furthermore, I would encourage organizations to take the
opportunity to listen to female voices coming up through the ranks, create new
initiatives that foster the growth of STEM positions. While I am thankful to
work with a team and organization that supports these efforts, it’s important
for business leaders to actively listen, incorporate and embrace new values
from the top down.
By promoting and encouraging these values, women and organizations
in STEM fields like engineering can authentically celebrate initiatives like
International Women in Engineering Day.
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Chrissay Brinkmann, PreSales Engineer, Leaseweb USA
As a woman in STEM, I've faced the challenge of feeling the need
to demonstrate my value and expertise alongside my male counterparts, something
I think other women in my field can relate to. Thankfully, I believe that women
have made immense progress in the past 15 years, with more and more women
joining the tech industry without having to face the same difficulties that
many other women, including myself, experienced at the start of their
careers.
Everyone approaches situations uniquely and from my experience,
gender parity in STEM provides diverse perspectives, enhances efficiency and
facilitates creative solutions. A word of advice to girls and women interested
in engineering: there are a multitude of programs to help you find your niche
so do your research and remember, a career in STEM puts you at the forefront of
technology.
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Prerana Singhal, Founding Engineer at Traceable AI
Occupations like engineering and tech are no longer considered
jobs specifically for men. I am very glad to see that women's interests in STEM
are now being fostered instead of being deterred by what was considered a
‘societal norm’ for women. While there is still a long way to go, strides have
been made in ensuring that women have a place in the engineering field. Now we
must continue to pave the way for the new generation of female engineers. Young
girls need to see more examples of female engineers, they need to see their
accomplishments be celebrated, and they need to know that this line of work can
be so much fun.
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Soujanya Namburi, Software Engineer at Traceable AI
Young girls can be inspired to pursue careers in engineering by
introducing them to STEM opportunities early on, fostering their interests
through mentorship programs or clubs, and showcasing diverse role models in the
field. For existing female engineers, employers can foster an environment where
women feel comfortable leading by prioritizing respect and inclusivity. They
can do this by implementing equal pay initiatives and being transparent with
promotion processes to ensure fairness and opportunity for all employees.
Additionally, they can implement a culture of zero tolerance for discrimination
and open communication. These things will help create a supportive atmosphere
where women can thrive in leadership roles without fear.
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Deepika Gajaria, VP of GTM and Strategy, Securin
The STEM field has historically faced challenges in embracing new perspectives and voices. However, you possess the qualities necessary to thrive in this field if you have a passion for problem-solving, a curious mindset, a desire to make an impact, and a willingness to learn and network.
Within my own journey, the experiences and qualities I collected throughout my career have provided me with valuable insights that the technology industry and my organization values. Because of this, I am passionate about enabling more women and individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams in STEM.
Those willing to learn, build connections, ask questions, and tackle problems independently have significant opportunities to contribute meaningfully, no matter their background.
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Claudia Medina, Sr Staff Silicon Development Program Manager, Cirrus Logic
International Women in Engineering Day (June 23) is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of women and inspire the next generation of female engineers. Having a diverse and talented workforce is essential for innovation and excellence. That’s why I support connecting women within companies like the Women’s Leadership Team at Cirrus Logic which create a network of mentorship opportunities, professional development, and community outreach focused on women and young girls in STEM.
Women’s resource groups bring women from contrasting verticals, backgrounds, and career stages together to learn from each other. It gives people an opportunity to share their stories, challenges, aspirations, and build communities within their companies. It is also important for company resource groups to collaborate with external organizations. Partnering with nonprofits, schools, and other companies to host and sponsor after-school programming, coding workshops, robotics clubs, and school panels inspire young women to pursue engineering careers and diversify our workforce.
Conferences are also a great resource for women in engineering to learn from and network with other leaders in the industry. Women are inspired to broaden and deepen their knowledge, sharpen their skills and set high career goals.
I hope that by sharing our experiences and insights, we can encourage more women and girls to pursue their dreams and passions.
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Malika Saksena - Software Engineer, Next DLP
Each year, International Women in Engineering Day serves as a reminder to recognize and celebrate all the incredible women and girls worldwide who are making groundbreaking contributions and achievements in STEM. As a woman in STEM, I am continuously inspired by the talent, dedication, and innovation demonstrated by my female colleagues and mentors. Despite the strides we've made, the disparity of equality and representation in engineering and technology still remains. Women, constituting less than one-third of today’s STEM workforce, often face significant challenges in male-dominated environments, and often find themselves having to overcome imposter syndrome.
Today, as we honor the women in STEM, it’s important to also recognize the need for inclusive workplaces and the active promotion of female mentorship. Seeing women in powerful roles not only challenges the status quo but also empowers women to confidently express their opinions and take their rightful seat at the table, especially in environments traditionally dominated by men. When young girls are raised with strong female leaders to look up to, they grow up knowing that success in these fields is not only attainable but also something to celebrate.
Therefore, today and every day, we must reaffirm our commitment to empowering the next generation of women who will shape the future of all industries with their resilience and talent. Let’s continue to support and encourage each other, fostering an environment where every woman can speak up, stand out, and succeed.
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Anne Lellinger, Senior Manager, Space Operations Training, SES
Women with engineering degrees already know what it feels like to be
part of a minority from their university classes. So, when starting your career
in this field, it is important to keep the momentum in a dynamic technical
environment. It’s critical, not only for women, to keep learning and expanding
your skills, and look for companies that will recognise, support and value your
contributions and continuing education.
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Kamini Karunamurthy, Content Analyst at Accuris
During my mechanical engineering studies, I found myself among only 10 women in a class of 150. While the gender imbalance might be initially daunting, a shared passion for engineering transcended those differences. This experience solidified my belief that a career path in STEM shouldn't be defined by gender, but by the fire of curiosity and the thrill of discovery that ignites within you. There's a universe of possibilities waiting to be explored in the vast landscape of engineering, and women hold the potential to be the architects of its future. Embracing this non-traditional path in engineering allows me to challenge preconceptions about the field and showcase the diverse skill sets that drive our industry forward. I am passionate about advocating for diversity in engineering, believing that inclusive teams foster deeper innovation and better solutions. So, on this International Women in Engineering Day (#INWED), I encourage all young women to embrace their passions and pursue careers that ignite their imaginations. Don't be discouraged by traditional notions; the world of engineering needs your unique perspective and innovative spirit!
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Maya Kamath, Engineering Lead, Whatfix
From service companies to cutting-edge projects like smart TVs and pre-Google Maps navigation apps, I jumped at every chance to learn and build. At Whatfix, I climbed the ladder from Mobile Lead Engineer to Engineering Lead. My journey hasn't been without roadblocks. In one of my previous organizations, a senior once advised sticking to 'easier' domains as I was a newly married woman at the time. That encounter sparked my resolve not to be constrained by societal expectations. It pushed me to grow and find my own voice.
For today’s generation of women engineers, I would recommend embracing every experience as a learning opportunity. Diverse perspectives offer unique knowledge. Define your path – deep technical expertise, broad industry understanding, or even entrepreneurship. The key is understanding what your goal is, for your own growth, and what gives you joy. Chase your ambitions with passion – the engineering world is in need of your unique perspective.
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Linn Foster, Engineering Manager, Exclaimer
For women looking to break into the tech industry, the first thing I would recommend is to find good mentors early. Mentors can be found both within your organization and from without, and in today’s virtually connected world platforms like LinkedIn are invaluable. Connect with others, attend meetups and conferences, and participate in as many activities as you can. You’d be surprised how many ‘Women in Tech’ groups there are out there, many with mentorship programs well worth exploring.
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Christine Gross, Director of Engineering, Program Management at Zilla Security
Diversity and inclusion in the tech industry are important to me because they ensure a wide array of perspectives, experiences, and talents are represented and valued. This diversity drives innovation by combining different ideas and approaches, resulting in more creative solutions and better products. On this International Women in Engineering Day, I am proud to be a woman in tech, contributing to a movement that is reshaping the future of innovation and technology.
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